Baltimore Ravens Cut Record-Setting College Signal Caller Before Debut
By 813 Staff
In a blockbuster move shaking up the league, Baltimore Ravens Cut Record-Setting College Signal Caller Before Debut, according to Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) (in the last 24 hours).
Source: https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2080387755964535105
Don’t let the social media noise fool you—Diego Pavia’s release from Baltimore isn’t the end of this story. It might just be the beginning of one that makes a lot of people look silly for writing him off.
League sources confirm the Ravens officially waived the 5-foot-9 quarterback on Thursday, July 23, a move first reported by @NFL_DovKleiman. On its face, it’s a cut of an unproven rookie who never took a regular-season snap. But those close to the situation say this decision had less to do with Pavia’s performance and everything to do with a numbers game that has been quietly playing out in the Ravens’ front office for weeks.
The front office signed veteran Josh Johnson late last month, pushing Pavia to fourth on the depth chart behind Lamar Jackson, backup Malik Cunningham, and emergency option Johnson. With roster spots at a premium during training camp, Baltimore simply ran out of room for a developmental arm. One team source described Pavia’s release as “a tough business call, not a talent judgment.”
Pavia, who went undrafted out of New Mexico State, turned heads during rookie minicamp and early OTAs with his quick release and knack for extending plays. His height—5-foot-9—was always the elephant in the room, but his college tape showed a player who could win from the pocket and on the move. The Ravens, known for valuing unconventional skill sets, gave him a longer look than most teams would have.
Here’s why this matters: Pavia’s release opens a waiver claim window that runs through Friday. Multiple league sources tell me at least three teams with thin quarterback rooms—including the Dolphins and Rams—have already done background work on him. If he clears waivers, expect the practice squad route, but don’t be surprised if a club with a creative offensive coordinator takes a flier on him as a gadget-piece or developmental backup.
What happens next is uncertain. The waiver wire is a fickle beast. But one agent I spoke with put it bluntly: “Diego’s tape speaks louder than his height chart. Somebody’s going to give him a real shot.” For now, Pavia packs his things in Owings Mills, waiting for a phone call that could change everything. The Ravens made a roster decision. They didn’t close a book.
Source: https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2080387755964535105
